The Headaches Of Recruitment Post-COVID

The pandemic is causing more companies to become overly cautious when it comes to recruitment. In fact, according to a study by Aon Pulse, the percentage of businesses with a cautious hiring policy rose by 14% to 60% in April to June 2020 with 35% of companies surveyed halting or delaying recruitment. 

With unemployment expected to continue to rise and companies being more selective with their hires, recruitment teams can expect a headache. Their strategies will need to change to reflect the times with some companies choosing to outsource their recruitment to specialists to filter the wheat from the chaff. 

Finding The Right Candidates

Hiring may have slowed but there will be a time when the economy bounces back and soon more companies will resume hiring. Once this happens companies who have waited until it is ‘safe’ to recruit will find themselves competing for the best talent after losing valuable recruitment time. 

There are a number of industries which have seen growth due to demand caused by COVID-19. These include healthcare, pharmaceutical and life sciences. Specialised recruitment is necessary for these industries as recruitment consultancies can help the employer come to terms with the new method of recruiting such as video interviewing, virtual onboarding and remote working as well uncovering candidates who do not respond to adverts. 

However, for those industries that are still struggling, it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be looking to recruit. Companies should remain active in recruitment forums and on social media in order to keep themselves visible to potential candidates. This will make it easier to recruit when the company is ready to do so. 

In addition, a large percentage of recruitment can be done before offices reopen and working environments settle into the new normal. Because of this, it may be worth employers starting their search for new candidates in preparation. Potential employees can be interviewed virtually and due diligence and reference checks can be carried out before a start date is settled. 

By completing this process early it allows companies to identify the best talent and keep them on record until they are ready to invite them on board. Not only does this help companies be prepared for when the economy opens back up, but it also allows them to create a rapport with the best candidates, helping to secure them in the future. 

Securing The Best Candidate 

While there may be a high number of candidates, it can be difficult for companies to secure their ideal candidate without sweetening the deal. There are a number of things employers can do to encourage candidates to choose their role. This includes improving the benefits package such as sick leave, holidays, well being and mental health support, flexi time working, home working and ensuring the salary is competitive in the current market. 

A study led by the Open University of Catalonia found that nearly six out of ten UK citizens have felt down, depressed or hopeless about the future as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. By providing a benefits package which includes more lenient sick pay packages and mental health support employers will make their employees feel more supported and cared for and create the image that they are a carting employer. This helps to attract the best candidates. 

In response to the outbreak, many companies are now offering remote working and flexible hours in order to make it easier and safer for their employees. This is another change which can be implemented to help employers attract their ideal candidates.

According to LinkedIn, 83% of HR professionals stated that their organisations are shifting to flexible working with 16% creating new compensation and benefits packages for those employees who are working remotely. 

Virtual Recruitment 

Once a pool of candidates is identified, it is important employers have an interview and onboarding plan in place. The recruitment industry has pivoted from being an area with not enough talent to fill positions, to be one with high unemployment, making it even more difficult to locate the best candidates. 

There need to be changes made to existing recruitment strategies in order to adhere to social distancing and COVID safety guidelines put in place by local authorities. Physical interaction is in most parts currently not permitted. Therefore, employers will need to adopt more technology-reliant recruitment tactics.

Virtual recruitment can be beneficial to employers as it can help to save them time and money, which is at the forefront of many employers' minds. It also allows the interview to be recorded which can provide vital information for employers reviewing their shortlisted candidates, making it easier to make important decisions. 

According to research, 76% of UK companies have already put virtual recruitment processes in place. However, many are struggling to streamline these protocols and make them work for both the company and the candidate. That’s where recruitment consultancies come in to help clients come to terms with the new normal for recruitment. 

Cameron Kennedy, The Recruitment Painkiller

Recruitment may be causing a headache for many employers right now, but it doesn’t have to. At Cameron Kennedy, we are experts in providing specialised recruitment in the technology, financial services, accountancy and finance and fintech industries. 

With 84% of executive-level candidates interested in hearing about a new position (though not necessarily actively looking) and 25% actively seeking due to COVID-19 (Boyd and Moore), now is the time to reform and update your recruitment strategy. By working with the team at Cameron Kennedy we can help you identify and secure the very best candidates for your roles. 

Our specialists work with you to create recruitment strategies to help you succeed, even in these tough times. We do this by taking the time to understand your business needs and workplace culture. This helps us to identify candidates who fit in well with your team and customers and help elevate your company to the next level.

To find out more about our specialist recruitment and let us help guide you to a brighter future get in touch on 020 7337 0011 or [email protected] or visit our website.